Today, the SeaWorld Orlando rescue team returned 17 endangered sea turtles to the Canaveral National Seashore in Titusville.

The turtles originated from New England where, in early December, more than 40 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles became cold-stunned. The reptiles were rescued from frigid northern waters by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. They then were stabilized at the New England Aquarium before their cross-country flight to multiple Florida facilities for treatment.

When the turtles arrived in Orlando SeaWorld’s rescue team conducted full examinations to determine the best treatment for each sea turtle. The diagnosis and thus treatment for the majority of the turtles was pneumonia. Some were also treated for corneal ulcers and malnutrition. After three months of individualized care, the turtles were cleared for return to the ocean.

Also recused this past winter from the Atlantic Coast were two green sea turtles. One of the turtles was treated for shell abrasions and the other for injuries resulting from ingested fishing line and hooks. Dr. Lydia Staggs was among the talented vets working on turtle rehabilitation. One of her key focuses was removing the hook from the green sea turtle. On Wednesday the green sea turtles were able to return to the sea with the Kemp’s ridley turtles.

In collaboration with government agencies and partner marine life facilities, more than 2,000 sea turtles have been rescued by the SeaWorld Orlando team since 1980. For more than 50 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has helped animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. More than 31,000 animals have been rescued by the expert animal rescue team that is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you see an injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at 888-404-3922 or by dialing *FWC.

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